MP government to consult astrologers for Ujjain mela

After having witnessed a spate of tragic incidents during pilgrimages, the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh has put together a team of astrologers in a bid to pacify gods and ward off evil spirits, according to a report by Hindustan Times.

The decision, by the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP government, is aimed at ensuring the success of the Simhasta Kumbh mela, that will be held between April and May 2016 in Ujjain.

"The team of nine astrologers was formed by the government to ward off the possible evil effects of guru chandal yogam, a planetary event involving Jupiter, Rahu (a rogue planet), Gulika (a satellite of Saturn) and Ketu (a shadow planet)," Diwakar Vasudev Natu, the president of Simhastha mela authority, told Hindustan Times.

The rituals will incur expenses running into crores of rupees with funds likely to be routed through businessmen and religious trusts, the report further added.

Madhya Pradesh government has allocated over Rs 2,700 crore to improve the infrastructure, security and crowd management for the Ujjain mela.

Last held in 2004, the month-long Simhasta Kumbh mela - which is commemorated every 12 years - is expected to draw crores of devotees to the ancient city of Ujjain.